Lifestyle
Meet Rafi Kouyoumjian, the Abu-Dhabi-based Hair Stylist Making Major Makeovers in the Industry

Hair isn’t a simple term. Hair is representation, history, culture, symbolism, a conversation starter, and a form of expression. In today’s time, hair has transformed into a powerful source of pride that is featured in advertisements, movies, and mainstream media. The credit for this goes to hairstylists for leading the conversation forward – especially hair makeover experts who never turn down a moment to experiment and showcase the unexplored, thereby paving the way for new trends. One such hairstylist and makeover artist who is making the ‘cut’ and contributing significantly to the Middle East’s hair scene is Rafi Kouyoumjian.
There aren’t many leading ladies and bosses in Abu Dhabi whose tresses haven’t undergone a makeover by Kouyoumjian. In the world of hair makeovers and styling, Kouyoumjian has done it all. From television actors, runway models, Instagram influencers, YouTube vloggers, to Arab celebrities, Kouyoumjian has managed to make his way to the top. Kouyoumjian, a 15-year-experienced hair designer, is mostly known and coveted for his classical techniques, all while integrating a touch of modern trends taking place before his eyes. His brainchild, which also happens to be his creative hub – Beautyspot Salon – is considered one of the finest in the country where major haircuts, styling, and makeovers take place.
As the demand for his unique hairstyles and makeovers increased, Kouyoumjian was drawn to the world of social media by his fans to showcase his expertise and share insights on the hair care and overall beauty segment. Today, Kouyoumjian is no less than an Instagram influencer himself, with thousands of followers who look up to him and are inspired to walk the same path as him. Through the means of Instagram features like stories, highlights, posts, and videos, he engages with his virtual family on a day-to-day basis. The result of this is hundreds of thousands of admirers who fly down to Abu Dhabi from world-over to seek hair consultation or to undergo makeover from him. His social media pages exude the right blend of art, fun, work, and myriad visual appeals.
Though precise and careful in his approach, hair makeovers are dependant on both, the one who carries it and how he or she wears it, according to Kouyoumjian. It comes with appreciating one’s natural hair texture, face cut, volume, and overall personality, all of which bake into his signature style: low-maintenance, edgy, and most importantly, chic. A calming and friendly presence who garners compliments as he transforms his clients’ hair, Kouyoumjian is now fondly called as the ‘hair magician’ by his fellow hairstylists, clients, and virtual followers. Right from balayage to hair streaks, curling to straightening, low buns to French haircuts, there’s nothing Kouyoumjian can’t do! Having witnessed several transformations in the hair trends, he now lives by the mantra, less is more.
For the self-proclaimed “hair maven,” every client’s hair is a canvas on which he lets loose his creativity. From blonde bobs, wavy tresses, rainbow dyes, highlighted head, green tips, to bubble buns, Kouyoumjian has created a world of makeovers and styles around him that have not only earned him fans and clients from all over the world but also a positive tag of being the hair and beauty pioneer.
While speaking on his favorite hair trend in the current time, he said, “French braids, updo’s, and Senegalese twists are the hairstyles I prefer. They are not only chic and elegant but also timeless. In terms of hair colour, a blend of lighter blonde with darker brown or a combination of cool metallic ash tones is something I love executing on my clients.”
With regard to his creative process, from the rough initial concept to final image, Kouyoumjian relies on his intuition, judgement, and requirement of the client. “A subtle error in terms of hair colour, hair styles, or cuts, can totally take months off of someone’s life – it’s not something I’d ever want to mess up with. Over the years, after meeting clients from different parts of the world, I have realized that learning in this industry never stops. There’s always a change in the trends, demands, and techniques, and unless we embrace it all, there’ll be no growth – without which an artist is absolutely nothing. My passion for hair makeovers and styling has helped me stay focused towards my craft and disconnect from momentary pleasures gained through fame, money, and wealth,” Kouyoumjian added.
The response on his work from his clients, reviews on his social media handles, and a forever-occupied salon is a proof that Kouyoumjian is indeed the hair magician of the ‘desert.’
Lifestyle
Hardwood Staircase Flooring: Pros, Cons, and Benefits

In the world of home design and aesthetics, stairs play an important but often overlooked role. Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly underestimate the untapped potential of stairs as essential design elements. In addition to their practical purpose, stairs can be turned into elements that add elegance and style to a home. Among the various materials used for staircases, hardwood is consistently favoured and versatile. It not only emphasizes visual appeal but also provides practical benefits. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at hardwood flooring on stairs, exploring its many benefits, unique features, and essential factors that deserve close attention.
The Allure of Hardwood: 10 Resounding Reasons to Consider
Before we delve into the particularities that make hardwood a quintessential choice for staircases, it’s significant to preface that every material brings its own set of attributes to the table. However, hardwood stands out as an amalgamation of versatility, enduring grace, and pragmatic efficiency. In the following sections, we dissect the manifold reasons that could make hardwood the pièce de résistance of your home, synthesizing elegance and utility in a singular, memorable way.
1. The Intersection of Aesthetics and Practicality
The material you choose for your staircase isn’t just a matter of function; it’s a declaration of style. Hardwood, with its intrinsic elegance and an array of utilitarian benefits, delivers a package that’s hard to ignore or beat.
2. Refinishing: A Second Life
Think about your staircase as a long-term investment. Over time, the rigours of daily use will manifest in scuffs, dents, and general wear. Hardwood offers an elegant solution—refinishing. This process restores your staircase to its former glory, allowing for a sustainable approach to interior decor.
3. The Majesty of Grain Patterns
Hardwood is not a monolith. The unique grain patterns that distinguish one type of wood from another can add significant nuance to your staircase. They allow for a deeply customized aesthetic that can either complement your existing decor or serve as a contrast to create an entirely new design language within your home.
4. An Investment in Timelessness and Home Value
Hardwood’s timeless appeal is a well-established fact. What’s less discussed is how this quality can translate into a tangible financial benefit. A hardwood staircase can significantly elevate the overall value of your property, making it a wise investment for the future.
5. Maintenance Ease
In the bustle of modern life, who has the time for laborious maintenance routines? Hardwood staircases, with their minimal upkeep requirements, fit comfortably into busy lifestyles. A simple sweep and an occasional mop will keep them shining for yea harbour
6. The Health Dividend
A carpeted staircase might look inviting, but it can be a hotbed for allergens and pathogens. In contrast, the smooth surface of hardwood is less likely to harbour these unwelcome guests, making it a more health-conscious choice, particularly for households with children or those susceptible to allergies.
7. Versatility in Design and Safety
Adding a runner or tread rug can instantly mitigate concerns about noise or slippage on a hardwood staircase. This dual-function approach means that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for safety.
8. Eco-Friendly Credentials
In an age increasingly defined by environmental consciousness, the natural origins of hardwood make it an environmentally friendly choice. While it’s essential to source responsibly to ensure sustainability, the inherent eco-friendly nature of wood offers a win-win situation.
9. Durability Par Excellence
A well-crafted hardwood staircase can withstand years of heavy traffic without losing its aesthetic or functional edge. Its remarkable durability promises not just longevity, but also sustained quality.
10. Weight and Structural Integrity
While often robust and substantial, specific hardwoods like Douglas fir and pine strike an essential balance between strength and weight, making them ideal for complex staircase structures.
Pros and Cons of Hardwood flooring
No decision, especially one as enduring as the choice of material for your staircase, should be made lightly. While hardwood offers a plethora of advantages, it’s not devoid of its own set of quirks and considerations. Whether you’re enamoured by the visual feast that is a hardwood staircase or you’re still straddling the fence of decision-making, a balanced understanding of both its virtues and limitations can illuminate your path. So, let’s unfurl the tapestry of pros and cons to help you make a well-considered choice.
Pros:
- Easy Maintenance
One of hardwood’s standout features is its minimal maintenance requirement. Unlike carpeting or other soft flooring materials that may require periodic deep cleaning, hardwood only needs occasional dusting or mopping. This ease of maintenance saves both time and long-term cleaning costs.
- Aesthetic Flexibility
Hardwood is like a chameleon in the design world; it can adapt to almost any setting or aesthetic preference. Whether your home leans more towards a rustic charm or modern minimalism, hardwood can be finished and stained to match the mood.
- Health Benefits
For households with allergy concerns, hardwood is a godsend. Its solid, non-porous surface is hostile to dust mites, allergens, and other pathogens that could cause health problems. It’s much easier to clean and sanitize, ensuring a healthier living environment.
- Long-Term Value Addition
A hardwood staircase is not just a design choice; it’s an investment. Homes with hardwood features often have higher resale values. Over time, as other materials age and deteriorate, hardwood retains its timeless allure, thereby adding to the long-term value of your property.
- Eco-Friendly
Provided that you’re sourcing from responsible vendors, hardwood is a renewable resource. Its production has a lower carbon footprint compared to other flooring materials like tiles or carpet. Plus, old hardwood can typically be recycled or repurposed, minimizing waste.
- Durable
It’s not just about how long something lasts, but also about how well it lasts. Hardwood is inherently durable, capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic and the wear and tear of daily life without losing its aesthetic appeal.
- Wide Range of Stylistic Options
Hardwood comes in various species, grains, and finishes, allowing for an enormous range of stylistic options. From the rich, dark hues of walnut to the lighter tones of birch or oak, you can customize your staircase to match your specific aesthetic tastes and needs.
Cons:
- May Require Safety Adaptations
Hardwood is a beautiful but slippery material, especially when wet. If you have small children or elderly family members, or if you’re just generally concerned about safety, you may need to invest in additional safety features like anti-slip treads or stair runners.
- Initial Cost Can Be High
The upfront cost of installing a hardwood staircase can be higher than other material options like carpet or laminate. This initial expenditure, however, should be weighed against the long-term benefits, both aesthetic and financial, that hardwood offers.
- Specific Household Conditions May Necessitate Extra Considerations
While hardwood is mostly durable, it can be sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Homes in particularly dry or humid climates may require humidifiers or dehumidifiers to maintain the wood’s integrity over the long term. Also, if you have pets with claws, be prepared for some inevitable scratching.
Conclusion
Choosing a staircase material is not a decision to be taken lightly; it’s an integral element that functions both practically and aesthetically within your home. Hardwood offers an attractive package of aesthetic versatility, long-term value, minimal maintenance, and health benefits. Consult your local specialists to ensure your hardwood staircase not only captures your aesthetic vision but also endures over time.
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